Rimantadine hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline powder which
is freely soluble in water (50 mg/mL at 20°C). Chemically, rimantadine hydrochloride
is alpha-methyltricyclo-[3.3.1.1/3.7]decane-1-methanamine hydrochloride, with
an empirical formula of C12H21N•HCI, a molecular weight
of 215.77 and the following structural formula:

What are the possible side effects of rimantadine (Flumadine)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using rimantadine and call your doctor at once if you have a seizure (black-out or convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain;

dry mouth;

sleep problems (insomnia);

dizziness;

headache; or

anxiety, trouble...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Flumadine »

What are the precautions when taking rimantadine (Flumadine)?

Before taking rimantadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to amantadine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at a greater risk for dizziness,...

Read All Potential Precautions of Flumadine »

Flumadine Consumer (continued)

SIDE EFFECTS: Trouble sleeping, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or nervousness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., depression), seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking rimantadine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to amantadine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at a greater risk for dizziness, headache, or weakness while using this drug.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Flumadine Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Flumadine

Generic Name: rimantadine (Pronunciation: ri MAN ta deen)

What is rimantadine (Flumadine)?

What are the possible side effects of rimantadine (Flumadine)?

What is the most important information I should know about rimantadine (Flumadine)?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rimantadine (Flumadine)?

How should I take rimantadine (Flumadine)?

What happens if I miss a dose (Flumadine)?

What happens if I overdose (Flumadine)?

What should I avoid while taking rimantadine (Flumadine)?

What other drugs will affect rimantadine (Flumadine)?

Where can I get more information?

What is rimantadine (Flumadine)?

Rimantadine is an antiviral medication. It blocks the actions of viruses in your body.

Rimantadine is used to treat and prevent influenza A (a viral infection) in adults. It is also used to prevent influenza A in children.

There may be some flu seasons during which rimantadine is not recommended because certain flu strains may be resistant to this drug.

Rimantadine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of rimantadine (Flumadine)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using rimantadine and call your doctor at once if you have a seizure (black-out or convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain;

dry mouth;

sleep problems (insomnia);

dizziness;

headache; or

anxiety, trouble concentrating.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about rimantadine (Flumadine)?

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to rimantadine or a similar medicine called amantadine (Symmetrel).

Before taking rimantadine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have a seizure disorder, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.

Do not use FluMist nasal influenza "live vaccine" while you are being treated with rimantadine and for at least 48 hours after you stop taking rimantadine. The nasal vaccine may not be as effective if you receive it while you are taking rimantadine. Before taking rimantadine, tell your doctor if you have received a nasal flu vaccine within the past 14 days.

Avoid coming into close contact with someone who has a weak immune system, such as a person who is taking steroids, being treated for cancer, or has a bone marrow disorder or an illness such as HIV or AIDS. If you have a type of influenza that is resistant to rimantadine, your body may actually shed that virus and a person with a weak immune system could easily become ill from being near you.